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The Sacramento Kings will have representation at All-Star Weekend after all.

In a surprise move by TNT analyst and former King Kenny Smith, Isaiah Thomas and Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio were added to the pool of rookies and sophomores eligible to play in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge. The Kings second-year guard was chosen by Charles Barkley and will play on the Hall of Famer’s team against the squad selected by Shaquille O’Neal.

Thomas has played in 47 of the Kings’ 50 games this year. He’s started 30 of those contests and come off the bench in 17. The Kings sophomore guard is averaging 11.6 points on 42.8-percent shooting and 3.2 assists in 24.3 minutes per game.

The BBVA Rising Stars Challenge tips off Friday, Feb. 15 at 6 pm from the Toyota Center in Houston. The game will be televised on TNT and broadcasted on ESPN Radio. Cowbell Kingdom will be in the lonestar state covering the festivities.

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About CK

Founded in 2009, Cowbell Kingdom is a member of the ESPN TrueHoop Network. Its goal is to provide frontline, on-the-ground coverage of the Kings that leads to interesting and thought-provoking discussion amongst readers and viewers.